Sample Texas License Plate

Applying for License Plates in Texas

New residents with an out-of-state vehicle must register within 30 days. Also, residents who purchase a new or used vehicle must register within 30 days.

To register, the following is required:

Titling documents

Completed registration forms

Valid ID

Proof of insurance

Emissions test results

Lien information (if applicable)

Payment for registration fees

All vehicles must have license plates when being operated in the state of Texas. For cars, vans, and trucks, license plates are required at the front and rear. For motorcycles and trailers, it is only necessary to have license plates at the rear.

Types of License Plates in Texas

There are a variety of license plates in texas in addition to the standard license plates. The standard issued plate by the DMV in taxes has a white background with black lettering.

Other types of Texas license Plates include:

Temporary license plates

Specialty license plates

Disability license plates

Temporary License Plates in Texas

Temporary license plates are required to drive legally while completing the registration process for a vehicle.

If you purchase a vehicle from a private seller, you must obtain temporary plates in advance from an authorised provider (i.e. a Texas DMV office or car dealership).

Purchasing a vehicle from a dealership often includes temporary plates provided by the dealer.

Temporary license plates in Texas are valid for 5 days.

Specialty License Plates in Texas

Specialty license plates are available from the DMV in texas, such as:

Military License Plates. For military personnel honoring their service, awards, and experiences. For example:

Purple Heart Plates

Bronze Cross Plates

U.S. Army Plates

Organizational License Plates. Special plates that support a cause, charity, or organization. For example:

Boy Scouts of America Plates

Fight Terrorism Plates

American Quarter Horse Society Plates

School License Plates. Stylized plates with school crests for alumni, students, faculty, and supporters. For example:

To obtain a specialty license plates, you can apply online, by mail, or in person (when you register your vehicle).

A complete list of specialty plates along with their fees can be obtained from your local DMV office.

Personalized License Plates in Texas

It is possible to personalized most license plates in Texas. Personalization allows you to add a custom plate number as long as it follows these guidelines from the DMV:

Up to 7 characters long

No profanity or misleading suggestions

Available for registration

Personalized plates require approval from the DMV before being issued. If approved, there are additional fees for registering these plates.

Transferring License Plates in Texas

If you are the owner of another vehicle or purchase a new vehicle, you can transfer your license plates for free.

The vehicle you are transferring your plates to, whether owned or leased, must be in your name.

It is not possible to transfer license plates from one owner to another.

If you do not require your license plates, they must be surrendered to the DMV.

Surrendering License Plates in Texas

You may be required to surrender your license plates if you:

Move out of state

Have damaged plates and apply for replacements

Cancel your vehicle’s insurance

No longer require your plates

Plates can be surrendered by mailing or bringing them in person to DMV office.

Lost, Damaged, or Stolen License Plates

If your Texas license plates are lost, damaged, or stolen, you must obtain replacements from the DMV.

To apply for replacements, you must:

Submit an application for lost, damaged, or stolen plates

Surrender any license plates remaining

Provide payment for replacement fees

Note: Old and faded license plates must also be replaced to ensure your plates are visible on the road.

Renewing License Plates in Texas

You should receive a notification in the mail well before the registration for your vehicle’s license plates expire.

You can submit your renewal payment and any necessary documents:

By mail

In person

Online

Once your renewal has been processed, you’ll receive new registration stickers to apply to your rear license plate.

Summary of Fees for Texas License Plates

The following summarizes a few of the required when registering your vehicle with the DMV:

Vehicle Registration & Renewal:

Vehicles: $51.75

Heavy vehicles (6001 to 10000 lbs): $54

Trailers: $45

Transfer fee: Free

Replacement Plates:

Plates & Stickers: $6

Not shown are taxes, service fees, and any other fees required to obtain and maintain your license plates. Fees vary by plate type and vehicle. To obtain an estimate for registering your vehicle, contact a DMV office in your county.

Looking Up License Plates in Texas

You can look up license plates in Texas using the search bar above.

After submitting either your desired plate number, you can learn whether the plate number you want for personalization is available or not.

As well, you can search for information associated with a vehicle, such as:

Vehicle history

Reports

Media (i.e. photos, videos, etc.)

FindByPlate offers you with a free search tool to look up license plates in Texas and any other state in the U.S.